Book for graphic design and travel enthusiasts: Tokyo Taxi

Tokyo Taxi

by Alexander James

Tokyo at night is a thrilling place. Neon lights up the buildings, while the pavements and bars are packed with bustling crowds. And, as in many other cities around the world, the streets are full of taxis. What makes Tokyo exceptional, however, are the signs on top of its taxi cabs. Hundreds of taxi firms operate in the city, and each has its own distinctive illuminated sign. Stars, globes, lanterns, cherry blossoms and even frogs and waving cats all feature in an array of vibrant colours. Photographer Alexander James set himself the task of capturing the most eye-catching of these signs –no mean feat, because some of the firms have as few as four cars on the road. In spite of having to work long, unsociable hours, the drivers take great pride in offering the highest standards of service and in keeping their cabs spotlessly clean, allowing the bright lights to reflect off the gleaming surfaces. Sharing some of the anecdotes he has heard from taxi drivers during his late-night travels, James portrays a city that literally dazzles after dark.


Alexander James is a critically acclaimed photographer whose work has been exhibited around the world. His recent projects address social, political and environmental issues, and his images have appeared in such publications as Design Week, Monograph and the Los Angeles Times Magazine.


Merrell
Hardback
224 pages
200 colour illustrations
17 x 15 cm